Lab Developing Efficient New Window Coating

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2016


Liquid crystals are responsible for many flat-screen TVs and other displays, but researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder are developing a way for the same technology to make windows more efficient.

Professors Ivan Smalyukh and Ronggui Yang are heading up the team at CU-Boulder’s Smalyukh Research Group, a lab that works primarily with “soft condensed matter and optical physics,” according to its website. Their liquid crystal research has led them to develop a coating that they hope can be applied to older windows, increasing their insulating properties without requiring replacement.

Professors Ronggui Yang and Ivan Smalyukh
Patrick Campbell, University of Colorado
Professors Ivan Smalyukh (right) and Ronggui Yang are heading up the coating research team at CU-Boulder’s Smalyukh Research Group.
Professors Ronggui Yang and Ivan Smalyukh
Patrick Campbell, University of Colorado

Professors Ivan Smalyukh (right) and Ronggui Yang are heading up the coating research team at CU-Boulder’s Smalyukh Research Group.

Earlier this year, the team received a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for the development of the coating material. According to Engineering News-Record, the grant officially began Monday (August 1).

Aerogel Technology

The idea is to use an ultralight “aerogel,” in which the liquid in liquid crystals is replaced with air. The substance is then made up of cellulose and air, and can be applied to windows, creating a transparent insulating barrier.

“The material will be lightweight, insulating, mechanically stable, flexible and inexpensive,” said Smalyukh.

TMI Coatings, Inc.
APV Engineered Coatings

Adding to the environmentally friendly nature, the researchers say the aerogel is developed from “recycled” cellulose, derived from food industry waste.

Quikspray, Inc.
Rapid Prep, LLC

Efficient and Easy to Apply

NLB Corporation
Modern Safety Techniques

According to the CU-Boulder team, the coating will reduce energy loss from old single-pane windows by 50 percent without the cost of replacement. Their goal is to develop the product so that application is simple, so that homeowners can perform the task themselves.

Just Like New Overspray Management
base painters

“Buildings consume about 40 percent of the energy expended annually in the United States,” said Yang. “We think we can dramatically increase the energy efficiency of windows without compromising transparency and other functions.”

Tagged categories: Building Envelope; Colleges and Universities; Energy efficiency; Fenestration; Research; U.S. Department of Energy; Windows


Comments

Join the Conversation:

Sign in to add your comments.